Jackson Heights Cinema
40-31 82nd Street,
Jackson Heights,
NY
11373
40-31 82nd Street,
Jackson Heights,
NY
11373
9 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 159 comments found
When was this theater converted into a triplex?
I went here a few times, but have not one distinct memory. Of interest around the front of the theater was the frieda jensen candy store and merkel meats. Jeannie S. and I rode our bikes to Newtown High School each day past the back of this theater and onto Hampton Street.
Don’t depend on nearby theatres to be correct. I’ve complained about this before. What’s even wilder is when it says there are NO theatres and more than a half dozen exist. They have made attempt to fix this nor have they responded to my several comment to the webmaster.
“Nearby Theaters” neglects to mention the Colony Theatre, which was only a block away and the Jackson’s closest competition.
The struggling owner owes $100,000 in back rent: nytimes
May 13, 2012 New York Times interview with current owner.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/13/nyregion/gone-hollywood-bollywood-theater-in-queens-still-struggles.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto
As kids, we used to eat in the great Kosher deli next door, then see a movie at the Jackson. Here’s a list of movies I saw there: The Long Gray Line, Kiss Me, Kate (3D), Dial M for Murder (3D), Ben Hur, Vertigo, Porgy and Bess, Ship of Fools, Judgment at Nuremburg, Freud.
It was originally known as Jackson. No “Heights” was ever necessary. Patrons were coming mainly from the area, not from out of state.
“Jackson Heights Triplex” would be more specific. “Jackson Triplex” could be in Jackson, Mississippi!
To be honest, I think that Jackson Triples is a better name, since it’s more specific. Jackson Heights Cinema suggests a single screen. The plural Jackson Heights Cinemas would be better, though “Cinema” in the singular or plural is a bit high falutin' for that rough-and- tumble area of Queens. Years ago, Jackson Heights was considered quite “chic,” but no longer.
It’s odd that it’s still being advertised as Jackson Triplex, since the 2010 Daily News story specifically said it was being renamed Jackson Heights Cinema. Did they perhaps delay the renaming until the new equipment, also referred to in that story, was installed?
Yes they are biligual. Also, they will be running 3-D soon. They are starting major upgrades to the equipment next week.
Is this still running Spanish-subtitled prints of the latest Hollywood releaes? Yesterday’s full-page ad in The New York Times for “Real Steel” did not mention a bi-lingual version. The ad also shows the theatre’s name as Jackson Triplex (not Jackson Heights Cinema as displayed here).
Here’s a link to a photo of the largest of the current three “screens,” which retains some of the original decor: queensbuzz
I saw some movies here in the 90’s when I lived in Queens. Always loved the place and thought it was fortunate to have been designed the way it is (with the stadium seating at the rear) which made it possible to triplex without disturbing the main auditorium.
I can’t seem to open the Jackson Heights Cinema website. Theater still seems to be open, however and listed on moviefone. Seems that one of the screens may have a split schedule between two different films… and the showtimes seem really tight considering length of the movies playing. I suppose not being part of a chain, there’s probably a minimal amount of trailers and none of those annoying “Sneak Peak” type of pre-show video programs you get at Regal and Clearview.
Anyway…
Here’s a 2007 shot of the marquee and entrance.
Found this on a Facebook group dedicated to photos and memories of growing up in and around Queens, mostly Corona, Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.
Mentioned in 1925 article about Queens movie theatres: View link
Does anyone remember seeing Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder at the Jackson in the 1950s? If so, was it screened in 2D or 3D? I seem to recall it being shown in 3D ..
The rejuvenated Jackson Triplex is mentioned in the last few paragaphs of sn article about Jackson Heights tourism in the June 10 issue of Queens Chronicle. The first Hollywood film to open under the new management was the re-make of “Karate Kid,” with Spanish subtitles. The other two screens are occupied by Bollywood films with English subtitles. The concession stand now offers samosas, kabobs and tacos im addition to camdy, popcorn, and sodas.
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TRIPLEX GETS THE FIX: View link
Is this now an exclusive showcase for Hindi movies, or will they also be presenting films from other countries, as well as mainstream Hollywood releases? And how many of the three “screens” are being booked?
New name is Jackson Heights Cinema. Website is http://www.jacksonheightscinema.com/ and phone is (718) 205-5100.
I am elated to hear the news of the Jackson Triplex’s new lease on life. I am from the Four Borough Preservation Alliance, Queens Preservation Council, and Rego-Forest Preservation Council, and I have a vast interest in Queens preservation; particularly theaters. My research and advocacy by establishing Friends of The Ridgewood Theatre led to its Individual Landmark status on Jan 12, 2010. I am willing to accomplish the same for the Jackson Theatre, by submitting an RFE form and accompanying research (including primary sources) to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (City agency), and help the owner acquire grants through the State & National Register of Historic Places and NY Landmarks Conservancy (non-profit), for example.
I sent you a detailed e-mail around 2 weeks ago, concerning the Jackson Theatre and Eagle/Earle Theatre. Please add to your safe contacts list. It may have ended up in spam. We are both young advocates with similar interests, and should correspond with each other and meet with the new operator of the Jackson Theatre. Please post a comment on this forum as well as send me an e-mail, and we will test if it’s being transmitted successfully.
The theater has reopened!
I received a phone call last night from a friend in Jackson Heights, she told me that the Triplex was open, under new management and a lease renewal. I immediately made my way to the theater to greet the owners. Upon arriving I noticed a camera crew interviewing the new owner of the theater, a middle aged Indian man. I approached one of them and expressed my appreciation for their vested interest in trying to restore the theater. He said it was an arduous undertaking, but they renewed the lease for five more years and they are working on making it a landmark. Wink
Reparations and renovations are already underway, (they’ve added carpeting and painted the walls in the lobby) and the theater will have it’s “official opening” this Saturday. I thought this would be of interest to everyone on the forum.
On another note, I am working in conjunction with owner’s son to premiere my film at the theater, we are planning on having a red carpet screening (he’s even willing to close the theater down just for this event). It would be great to have support from the community for this, as it is probably the first time something like this is attempted at the theater. We are thinking June 18.
This has been a childhood dream of mine and now its come true. I get a second chance at screening my first feature film in the theater that cultivated my love for film in the first place.
The name of the film is ‘The Electro Wars'
You can find more information on it here: www.theelectrowars.com
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I grew up in Jackson Heights my whole life, I am now 26 years old, and I am still very fond of the neighborhood. The subject matter in the film appeals to a younger demographic, and it has the support from many of them in the community, it would be a great event to bring publicity to the theater, give it a second life. I am actually screening a preview of the film in Amsterdam tomorrow and then in Vegas next week, but there has not been a NYC screening as of yet.
What will the theater reopen as? A movie theater developed with creativity with community spaces could foster jobs. A revitalized theater that respects the historic ornate craftsmanship is what Jackson Heights and all of Queens needs. Please let us know, so we can contribute in any way possible. I am aware of funding sources. Thank you!